There was a better turnout at Fellside which might indicate the kennel cough outbreak is easing.
The first of the Fellside series attracted 29 runners for the three races on the card.
Eight of them were in the opening senior race in which table leader Silver Dream was back in action, having seen her advantage cut to just two.
She was made joint favourite for Darren and Julie McMaster and Anthony Skelton along with Mel for Les and Graham Reid, and Ellie Napier.
From the slip Mel, and the kennel mates Millie’s Lad and Millie’s Lass for George McGimpsy, and Gillian and Millie Telford took an early lead.
As they dropped down the fell onto the finish Mel had established a good lead and finished well to claim her sixth senior win of the season.
She finished ahead of Millie’s Lad and Millie’s Lass with Silver Dream finishing well on her return to take fourth.
Busy Again for Alan Blacklock and Carole Harrison was fifth and the final ticket went to Maeve for Christine Brownlee.
Seven pups contested the junior trail and Tucker for Nicola McMaster and Anthony Skelton and Maggie for Les and Graham Reid, Erin Rowlandson, Barbara Jones and Steven Walker were sent off as joint favourites.
When they were slipped Brown Sugar for Graham and Les Reid, and Ellie Napier and Tucker were heading the race well.
But when they dropped down the fell Tucker and Maggie were leading the way with Brown Sugar back in third but coming through to lead after descending well.
As they crossed the stream before the finish Maggie went down the beck allowing Tucker and Brown Sugar to battle it out for the win.
In the end it was Tucker who won by a length with Brown Sugar having to settle for second.
Let It Be, for Ruth and Charlie Dixon was third and Zoya for Stephen Irving and Caroline Graham took fourth ahead of Maggie, who eventually finished in fifth.
The final ticket went to I Am It for Ruth and Charlie Dixon.
The final race of the evening was the Open Restricted with a field of 14.
Huntsman’s Sparkle for Tracey, Carolyn and Derrick Hill was sent off favourite.
After being slipped the favourite Huntsman’s Sparkle went out well with kennel mate Milo Moon. Then, when seen dropping down the fell onto the finish three had broken clear – Huntsman’s Sparkle, Let’s Go For It for Ruth and Charlie Dixon and Malfunction for Sarah White.
As they climbed up the finish Let’s Go For It finished well to win, much enjoyed by young owner Charlie.
Malfunction finished second and littermate Blue Striker for Brian and Erin Rowlandson, and Billy Birket was third.
Flightline for Sarah White was half a length back in fourth ahead of Milo Moon.
The final ticket went to Dream Catcher for Cathy, Joy and Brian Lister.
September 11 – Fellside
- Hounds – 1. Mel; 2. Millie’s Lad; 3. Millie’s Lass; 4. Silver Dream; 5. Busy Again; 6. Maeve. 8 ran, time 28.55.
- Pups – 1. Tucker; 2. Brown Sugar; 3. Let It Be; 4. Zoya; 5. Maggie; 6. So Be It. 7 ran, time 20.57.
- Open Restricted – 1. Lets Go For It; 2. Malfunction; 3. Blue Striker; 4. Flightline; 5. Milo Moon; 6. Dream Catcher. 14 ran, time 20.01.
